Pupils are struggling

COUNCILLORS are today being urged to keep a close eye on education standards achieved by Sheffield’s three- to seven-year-olds – after a report earlier this year found their achievement levels were among the worst in the country.

A newly formed scrutiny committee will be asked to build on work carried out by its predecessors, keeping a keen eye on what is seen as one of the city’s biggest challenges.

Struggling youngsters were being left behind by higher achieving children with the gap widening in 2010, the earlier report found and tackling the issue was identified as a key issue for schools.